Pipeline Road
A road of about 17 km through primary and secondary forest, with streams and swamps. The best hours are at dawn, and a guide is strongly recommended.
Gamboa · Colón / Panamá · Panama
Soberanía National Park
Rainforest on the edge of Panama City and the Canal, with Pipeline Road, one of the best birdwatching trails in the world.
- Created in 1980
- About 20,000 ha
- Over 500 bird species
- About 45 minutes from Panama City
About the park
Soberanía National Park covers rainforest on the east bank of the Panama Canal, so close to Panama City that you can be in the forest within about 45 minutes. It protects the forest that guards the water of the canal and has one of the richest bird lists of any park in the world, with more than 500 species recorded.
The best-known place is Pipeline Road, an unpaved road of about 17 km that starts at the end of the town of Gamboa and runs through the forest. It is best walked at dawn with a local guide, who finds the birds by their calls. Gamboa also has the park's visitor centre and the canal views.
- One of the best birdwatching trails in the world
- Rainforest 45 minutes from Panama City
- Antbirds, manakins, trogons and toucans
- Easy to combine with the Panama Canal
Wildlife
ToucansTrogons and motmotsAntbirds and manakinsMonkeysSlothsHarpy eagle, rarely seen
What to see
Gamboa
A small town at the Panama Canal and the Chagres River, with the park's visitor centre and the start of Pipeline Road.
Short forest trails
Shorter trails near the road to Gamboa, such as the Plantation Road and Camino de Cruces, suit a quick visit.
Plan your visit
- Entrance
- Mainland parks are in the lower price tier: foreign adults pay a few dollars, children under 12 are free. The portal shows the exact price when you book.
- Guide
- A local birding guide is strongly recommended, because many birds are identified by their calls.
- Best time
- Dawn, from about 6 am. The dry season from December to April is more comfortable, but the park is good all year.
- What to bring
- Binoculars, a hat, insect repellent, water and closed shoes. Rain gear in the green season.
Book your entrance online
Entrance to Panama's protected areas is sold online through the official MiAmbiente reservation portal: you choose the area and the date, enter the name and passport number of each visitor, and pay by card. You receive a code to show at the entrance.
If you book a tour or a stay with us, we can arrange the reservation for you.
Dates, areas and fees are approximate and based on published information from the Panamanian Ministry of Environment (MiAmbiente) and public guides; fees and rules can change. We confirm the current conditions when you book.
Getting there
By road
Gamboa is about 40 to 45 minutes from Panama City. Pipeline Road starts at the end of the town.
Transfer
Ask us for a private transfer or a guided birding morning from Panama City.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a guide?
It is not compulsory, but for birds it makes a great difference.
How long is the visit?
A birding morning takes about 4 to 5 hours.
Do you offer this as a tour?
We arrange a guided morning on request. Tell us your dates.